Senior pupils in East Dunbartonshire are to be offered work experience and mentoring from the business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton under a 12-month partnership deal announced last week.

The firm will offer placements to those pupils who express an interest in a career in accountancy. It will also host business and entrepreneurial workshops, present motivational talks, attend career events and offer interview mentoring in a bid to encourage young people into business.

Its recruitment strategy for 2009 and beyond includes offering a modern apprenticeship opportunity to S5 and S6 pupils who reach the required entry qualification. The firm will support these youngsters through AAT, a vocational qualification, into the UK’s accountancy profession.